Liverpool's Pogba and Vidal links: Three questions and reaction

Two big name stars have been linked with Liverpool, in a report from The Mirror which connects them to Juventus duo Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal.

The report states that Liverpool are determined to land a marquee name to add to the signings already brought in, with the money from Luis Suarez's sale.

The Reds want to avoid Tottenham's drop off in performance they suffered after the Gareth Bale sale, and even push on and fight for the title again. A huge signing like one of the duo, or Marco Reus, also linked by the paper, would go a major way towards changing this.

Here are three key questions about the speculated transfers:

Do they have more of a chance than Manchester United?

Manchester United have been strongly linked with Arturo Vidal, and Chelsea to Paul Pogba. Juventus have stated this week they do not want to let either go, but with a change of manager, it's possible either player could be unsettled. Juventus have not so far received any actual bids to consider, and a huge offer from the Reds, or anybody else, could cause them to re-consider.

United do not have Champions League football, giving Liverpool an edge in any negotiations, although the lure of the Old Trafford outfit is clearly big, the Reds can claim themselves to actually be England's most successful club, pointing to their five European Cups.

With the finances available from Suarez's transfer, Liverpool have the funds to spend on a blockbuster signing as either, and for the first time in a long time, they do not have to fear competing with their rivals in the transfer market.

What next for Steven Gerrard?

If either Vidal or Pogba were tempted to join Liverpool, their arrival would signal the beginning of the end of Steven Gerrard. Not immediately, but the transition would begin.

For the first time since his Xabi Alonso left, Gerrard would be playing with a player who has the on-pitch personality to lead the team, and carry them into the future.

The Englishman may be able to play better football over his final seasons at the club with the pressure off and Brendan Rodgers able to use him more sparingly, with a new talisman to build the midfield around.

Is it more about what they represent than the players themselves?

Vidal and Pogba, and Reus too - are all long shots. If Liverpool can get them, fantastic, if they have the look on the next rung below them on the talent ladder, that won't be bad either.

The point is that this is a sign Liverpool are thinking big, and showing ambitious moves in the transfer market they should have the capability of making.

For the first time in several seasons Liverpool have Champions League football, but their signings so far have not been players who have established records of playing in the competition.

With the money they have at their disposal, it makes sense for Liverpool to look at signing proven winners and top tier talent, and while the specific situations of the trio may make them non-transferable, they are the type of players the club need to be considering moves for.

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Here is a look at how Liverpool fans reacted to the reports, via Twitter:

Dan Coombs

Dan Coombs has been writing for HITC Sport full time since 2012 and has helped the website grow it's audience considerably during this period, while managing a team of writers. He has interviewed high profile names including Stuart Pearce and his work has been cited in Javier Hernandez's biography. In addition to football, Dan is a big fan of the NFL and NBA.